Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad

Name: Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Zelli Campannelli Pasta; 1 lb bacon, diced; 4-6 each jalapeños, to taste; 4 oz cream cheese, room temp; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp Cattleman’s Grill Trail Dust All Purpose Seasoning; 1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled; 1 cup sharp cheddar, grated; 1/4 cup chives, minced

Jun 20, 2024 • Tom Jackson

Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad is a tantalizing fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for a summer gathering or a unique side dish. This dish starts with al dente Zelli Campannelli pasta, mixed with smoky, charred jalapeños that have been grilled, peeled, and diced for a subtle kick. Crispy, diced bacon adds a savory crunch, while a rich, creamy dressing made from cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and Cattleman’s Grill Trail Dust All Purpose Seasoning ties everything together. The salad is further enriched with crumbled Cotija cheese, sharp cheddar, and fresh minced chives, creating a harmonious blend of spicy, smoky, and creamy elements. This vibrant and hearty pasta salad can be refrigerated and enjoyed for up to a week, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for busy schedules.

Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad

Tom Jackson

Rated 5.0 stars by 4 users

Cuisine

American

Servings

16

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Calories

311

Welcome to a delicious twist on a classic favorite! Our Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad brings together the creamy, cheesy goodness of jalapeno poppers with the comforting heartiness of pasta. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a fun family dinner, this dish combines smoky grilled jalapeños, crispy bacon, and two types of cheese with a rich, tangy dressing. The result is a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s sure to be a hit. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this pasta salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge, ready to be savored whenever the craving strikes. Let's dive in and create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to bring a smile to everyone's face!

Ingredients

1 lb Zelli Campannelli Pasta
1 lb bacon, diced
4-6 each jalapeños, to taste
4 oz cream cheese, room temp
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp Cattleman’s Grill Trail Dust All Purpose Seasoning
1 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
1 cup sharp cheddar, grated
1/4 cup chives, minced

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Directions

Preheat your Yoder Smokers YS640S Pellet Grill to 425ºF, set up for direct grilling.
Place the jalapeños on the grill and blacken on all sides. Place in a sealed container or zip-top bag to steam for about 10 minutes. Remove from the bag. Slice the peppers open, then scrape out the seeds. Peel the skin off of the peppers and dice the flesh.
Dice the bacon into small pieces, then cook in a Lodge 12” Steel Skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy. Strain the bacon fat from the pieces of bacon. Reserve the bacon bits.
Cook the pasta in simmer water until al dente, about seven minutes.
Whisk the cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, lemon juice and Cattleman’s Grill Trail Dust All Purpose Seasoning in a mixing bowl.
Combine the cooked pasta, roasted jalapeños, cooked bacon, cheeses and chives with the dressing.
Cool in the refrigerator and keep for up to one week.

Recipe Note

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:

Bacon Asparagus Pasta Salad

Grilled Cucumber Salad

Recipe Highlights and Insights:

Jalapeno poppers, a popular appetizer known for their spicy and creamy combination, have an interesting history that blends Mexican and American culinary traditions. While the exact origin is debated, jalapeno poppers are believed to have emerged in the Southwestern United States in the 20th century, influenced by the region's rich Mexican heritage and love for bold, spicy flavors. The concept of stuffing peppers dates back to traditional Mexican cuisine, where various types of peppers were filled with meats, cheeses, and other ingredients. In the 1980s, jalapeno poppers gained widespread popularity in the U.S. as a bar food and party snack, often served breaded and fried to create a crunchy exterior. Their rise in fame was bolstered by the Tex-Mex food trend, and they quickly became a staple in restaurants and home kitchens across the country. Today, jalapeno poppers are enjoyed in numerous variations, reflecting their versatile and enduring appeal.